Dallas Area Transit Alliance Demands Transparency From DART Board Regarding New Handouts to Cities
The general membership of the Dallas Area Transit Alliance (DATA) held an emergency meeting last night, February 17th, to discuss the new General Mobility Program proposal
DALLAS, TX, February 18, 2026— The general membership of the Dallas Area Transit Alliance (DATA) held an emergency meeting last night, February 17th, to discuss the new General Mobility Program proposal as passed by the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board of Directors’ Committee of the Whole, and issue a resolution expressing our collective disapproval of the way this matter has been handled by the DART Board of Directors. We demand increased transparency from the Board regarding how these negotiations are being conducted, how riders will be affected by these handouts to DART member cities, and what the future of DART will look like going forward under this scheme. We are gravely concerned by the prospect of these extreme financial commitments from DART in exchange for nothing but loose, speculative, and easily-broken promises to find new funding sources for DART.
The riders are the reason for DART. We deserve a seat at the table. We cannot stand by while the future of our mobility is being traded away in backroom deals.
Press Contact:
Alexander Dunn, Secretary
press@ridewithdata.org
For general inquiries:
info@ridewithdata.org
RESOLUTION NO. 2026.01
Regarding the Proposed “General Mobility Program” of Dallas Area Rapid Transit
WHEREAS, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (“DART”) was created to provide safe, reliable, and equitable public transportation service to its member cities and the residents of North Texas; and
WHEREAS, the Dallas Area Transit Alliance (“DATA”) recognizes the urgent pressure on the board to negotiate with member cities to avoid potential withdrawal elections or adverse legislative actions
WHEREAS, the DART Board of Directors is advancing a proposed “General Mobility Program” intended to address concerns from certain suburban member cities; and
WHEREAS, information made available to date indicates that the proposal could result in recurring service reductions over the next six (6) fiscal years if enabling legislation is not adopted by the Texas Legislature during its next session; and
WHEREAS, recurring annual service cuts would negatively impact transit-dependent riders, working families, seniors, students, and people with disabilities who rely on consistent service for access to employment, healthcare, education, and essential services; and
WHEREAS, major structural changes to transit funding and service delivery require robust public engagement, transparent financial modeling, and meaningful consultation with riders and frontline employees; and
WHEREAS, the DART Board has not yet released comprehensive public-facing analyses detailing projected systemwide service impacts, anticipated service reductions, ridership implications, and equity considerations associated with the proposal; and
WHEREAS, tying the region’s transit stability to uncertain legislative action introduces structural instability into long-term service planning; and
WHEREAS, public trust in regional transit governance depends upon openness, accountability, and meaningful public participation;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
1. The Dallas Area Transit Alliance expresses its formal disapproval of the DART Board of Directors for advancing the proposed General Mobility Program without sufficient transparency, public engagement, or disclosure of potential service impacts.
2. DATA opposes any plan that elevates financial transfers or “general mobility” payments to member cities above DART’s core obligation to preserve and expand transit service levels, protect riders from service reductions, and maintain a stable and reliable regional transportation network.
3. DATA calls upon the DART Board to promptly release:
Detailed multi-year financial projections for DART’s budget under the proposed GMP,
Service impact scenarios, including cut routes and frequency reductions,
Equity analysis identifying impacts on transit-dependent communities,
Clear documentation of legislative contingencies and associated risks.
4. DATA requests that the DART member cities establish rider-focused advisory committees empowered to receive and review input from the riding public and be involved in the prioritization process for General Mobility Program funds.
5. DATA further urges the Board to commit publicly that no recurring structural service or funding reductions will be implemented without direct voter input, or, at minimum, an extensive series of public meetings/hearings to solicit rider feedback.
6. DATA reaffirms that public transit is essential regional infrastructure, not a short-term political compromise, and that service reliability, frequency, and system growth must remain paramount priorities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,
that the Dallas Area Transit Alliance stands ready to collaborate with DART leadership, member cities, and state lawmakers to develop a transparent, sustainable funding strategy that strengthens regional mobility without undermining service stability for riders.
Adopted this 18th day of February, 2026
Dallas Area Transit Alliance
Executive Committee